Top five cars for dog owners revealed… so which vehicle is best for man’s best friend? 

Three-quarters of UK dog owners take their beloved pet for a car trip at least once a week, new research shows, as the top five cars for domestic dogs have been revealed.

Car rental site Leasing.com has compiled a list of the top five most popular cars among dog owners, based on trunk size, usability and cost-effectiveness.

The company analyzed data from more than 100,000 consumers to compile its findings.

Dog lovers should choose a car that can adequately contain and protect one or more of their pets, as owners can be fined £5,000 if they break rules about transporting their animals in vehicles.

Drivers should make sure their pets are restrained by a harness, dog bed, cage or dog guard when riding alongside them – both to avoid distracting the driver and injuring the dog or passengers in an accident.

It is estimated that over eight million of the UK’s 13 million dog owners travel with their pet in their car at least once a week – but only half of UK dog owners surveyed knew the rule, which is set out in the Road Regulations.

Buying or leasing a car with enough room for the family and dogs with the right restrictions isn’t easy – but this handy list can help owners search for their next vehicle.

1. Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq is a seven-seater with a luggage space of 270 liters when all seats are in use

Car giant Skoda is an official sponsor of Crufts this year and has numerous models with enough space to keep four-legged friends safe on the road.

The Kodiaq is a seven-seater with a luggage space of 270 liters when all seats are in use. With the rear seats folded down, this triples to 835 liters of luggage space.

Brand new, the Kodiaq retails for prices from £32,235.

2. Tesla Model Y Hatchback

Tesla Model Y vehicles are pictured at a Tesla factory in Gruenhide, Germany

This Tesla model has a massive 854-litre luggage compartment, providing plenty of room for one or more dogs and also accommodating up to five passengers.

As an electric car, the model is also better for the environment and much quieter than traditional petrol or diesel engines.

Prices start at just under £45,000.

3. Land Rover Discovery

Even the largest of dogs can ride in comfort in the Land Rover Discovery, with a boot capacity of over 1,000 litres

This Land Rover was made to explore the great outdoors with man’s best friend.

While it normally only has 258 liters in the boot space, once the rear seats are folded down this rises to 1,137 litres, meaning even the biggest dogs can ride in comfort.

It comes at a price, though, with new Discoveries starting at £57,225.

4.Honda Jazz

Pictured: The Honda Jazz 2020 model – the 2023 model will go on sale soon

The 2023 Honda Jazz hybrid vehicle will go on sale soon, according to the website.

Previous models had ample luggage space for the compact car and are also expected to be cheaper than most of the models listed here.

New Honda cars of a similar size retail for under £34,000.

5.Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a surprisingly spacious car and by far the cheapest of the top five

The Nissan Qashqai is a model with many advantages, one of which is affordability.

An SUV with a roomy interior and 455-litre luggage space, which triples when the rear seats are folded, is perfect for a family adventure.

New vehicle prices start from £26,405.

Dave Timmis, founder and CEO of rental car company Leasing.com that compiled the list, said choosing the right vehicle for a beloved pet can be a daunting task.

He said: ‘Between 2021 and 2022, three-quarters of the UK’s 13 million dog owners will drive their pets at least once a week, so it will be an important factor when choosing a car.

“That’s why manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Skoda have become quite ingenious and have created special ‘pet packs’ to meet the needs of their customers, and these are proving to be increasingly popular.”